Job Description - Research Assistant I BWH Neurology (3309905)
We are seeking a talented Research Assistant with experience in cellular and/or molecular biology, with a preference for expertise in deriving neuronal cultures from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and/or in CRISPR gene editing technologies in human iPSCs. The Research Assistant will join an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of neurophysiology, human stem cell biology, and network science. We will address how genetic changes in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including Rett syndrome, lead to altered neural networks and seizures during early development. Using a novel preparation of human cerebral organoids (Giandomenico et al., 2019 Nature Neuroscience), we now have the ability to understand how brain network function is altered at the cellular scale in NDD human in vitro models. This organoid platform will also be used to test novel therapeutic strategies.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with experts in human stem cell to create autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) disease models in human cerebral organoids from patient-derived iPSC lines.
- Generation and maintain human cerebral organoids in our laboratory.
- Perform multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings and analyze network activity in the NDD and control human cerebral organoids.
- Work closely with team members in our interdisciplinary collaborations on the development and application of methods for human organoids, network recordings and network analysis.
- Ensure validity and reliability of all data collected and analyzed.
- Keep excellent records of experiments, undertake thorough data analysis and make active contributions to the laboratory research environment.
- Write regular internal reports as agreed and draft and/or contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.
- Prepare and present findings at internal group meetings.
- Draft publications and/or presentations for scientific journals/conferences.
- Contribute to research grant applications.
- Provide guidance to staff and students, including training to students and/or other trainees.
- Be an active team member and set positive examples for other team members.
- Contribute and lead administrative tasks related to research and teaching goals.
- Maintain a safe workplace and follow all lab and hospital practices and procedures.
- Any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the PIs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor’s degree (or about to be awarded at Bachelor’s degree) in one of the following fields: neuroscience, physiology, stem cell biology, molecular or cellular biology, mathematical biology, or bioengineering.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or a medical degree (with some research experience).
- Experience working in a laboratory-based research environment.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other group members.
Desirable (not required at time of hiring):
- Master’s degree and/or postgraduate research experience in one or more relevant fields.
- Research experience in the generation and maintenance of human iPSC-derived neuronal cultures.
- Research expertise in generation and maintenance of human cerebral organoids.
- Research expertise in CRISPR and/or other gene editing technologies for human iPSCs or embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
- Research expertise in genomics technologies (e.g., PCR, in situ hybridization, scRNA-Seq, spatial transcriptomics).
- Research experience in neurophysiology (i.e., multielectrode array recordings and/or whole-cell patch clamp technique).
- Research experience in computational analysis of network activity.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working collaboratively, including communicating progress and challenges to PIs.
- Rigorous scientific skills for acquiring, analyzing and presenting data.
- Excellent time and project management skills.
- Meticulous record keeping for both experimental procedures and for analysis.
- Willingness to adjust working hours in accordance with experimental demands and as necessary for project goals.
- Generosity of spirit and willingness to share and help develop skills in others.
BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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